2007 Jamis Supernova Cyclocross Bike
After a few months of annoying Katie with my continuing banter on cyclocross bikes, I pulled the trigger and bought a 52 cm Jamis Supernova. Interestingly the bike is a “used” 2007 model.
Avid Shorty 4 Brakes
In Boulder there are tons of people connected in the bike industry who get free bikes every year; if the bike does not fit properly it may sit in the garage unused as was the case with this baby. The woman who owned it had taken it out for two rides and then decided she did not like the bike. Two years later she wanted a mere $1000 cash and I wanted a bike – excellent deal for both of us. Katie is now far less annoyed as I no long talk nonstop about buying a CX bike.
The bike itself is pretty sweet; The only thing I had to do was add some pedals and put on some new electrical tape around the bar tape (apparently the previous owner left it in the car on a hot day – bad for adhesives). On Monday I took the bike out to the Boulder Reservoir with one of my coworkers, John Twa. John can blow me away on a bike; thankfully he took it easy on me as it was my first real ride witht he Supernova. We cruised around the gravel trails as I attempted to make friends with my new bike. I think I did a decent job.
FSA Compact Crankset
The ride is surprisingly supple as the carbon fork and seatstays ate a lot of the vibration. The kinesium (basically aluminum with a bit of titanium thrown in for kicks) is extremely stiff – you can really feel the bike jump when you punch down with the FSA Gossamer Cross 46/36 compact crank. The frame does not have any mounts for racks, so if you are looking for a commuter this bike is not for you. It does have a flat section on the top tube to help with shoulder carries, but the section seems a bit far back. I have not actually had to run with the bike on my shoulder so perhaps I am wrong.
Components wise the Supernova is loaded with Shimano Ultegra shifters and rear derailleur with a 105 in front. My Lemond Buenos Aires runs Shimano 105 and I have been extremely happy but the crisp shifting of the Ultegra 10 speed was phenomenal. Additionally the shifting is much more natural than the SRAM Rival DoubleTap as was on the Trek XO 2, Redline Conquest Pro, and GT GTR Type CX models I previously tried. The Vittoria Cross XG tires handled well on the dirt (they are not fun to turn at speed with on the road) but I suspect if things get muddy I am going to need new tires.
Saddle
The Ritchey Logic Pro handlebars are significantly narrower than what I am used to riding – I suspect this will not be a problem but if it is then it is an easy fix. The handling was not quite as fast as the Trek XO 2. The Selle San Marco Ponza saddle is awfully hard - I would have no problem with it on my road bike but is not very forgiving with the cyclocross mount. All together I am extremely pleased with my purchase.
Stats:
Total weight without pedals is a mere 17.7 lbs according to my questioningly reliable cheap digital bathroom scare. With the Time Atac pedals stolen from my Trek Fuel EX 8, I was just over 18.5 lbs.
Frame: Kinesium triple-butted-aluminum main frame w/carbon seatstays
Fork: Easton EC90X carbon
Hubs/Rims/Wheels: Easton Vista
Tires: Vittoria Cross XG, 700 x 32c
Crankset: FSA Gossamer Cross Compact Chainwheel 46/36
Front Derailleur: Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
Rear Cassette: Shimano 105, 10-speed: 12-27
Shifters/Brake Levers: Shimano Ultegra STI
Handlebars: Ritchey Logic Pro Road
Tape/Grips: Jamis Gel
Stem: Ritchey Pro Road
Brakes: Avid Shorty 4, cantilever
Saddle: Selle San Marco Ponza
Seat Post: Ritchey Pro Road
2007 Jamis Supernova Cyclocross Bike
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Sven Nys is the best cyclocrosser of the moment. I saw him ride in Overijse last weekend!